Smarter Wheels

AI is driving the future of transportation, but is it really smarter than Tesla's Full Self-Driving Cybertruck? Buckle up and let's find out.

A driver
Photography by Richard Stachmann on Unsplash
Published: Thursday, 03 October 2024 07:25 (EDT)
By Alex Rivera

For years, we’ve been told that AI will revolutionize the way we drive. Smarter, faster, safer—that’s the promise. From predictive maintenance to autonomous driving, AI is supposed to be the ultimate co-pilot. And hey, who wouldn’t want a car that can parallel park itself while you sip your coffee? But here’s the kicker: Tesla’s Cybertruck is already rolling out its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, and it’s making waves. So, is AI still the future, or is the future already here?

On the one hand, AI in cars is a broad concept. We’re talking about everything from lane-keeping assistance to fully autonomous vehicles. AI is designed to make driving safer by reducing human error, which, let’s face it, is the cause of most accidents. According to Informationweek, AI will make cars and trucks smarter, faster, and safer. But here’s the twist: Tesla’s Cybertruck is already flexing its AI muscles with supervised Full Self-Driving. That’s right, the Cybertruck is not just a futuristic meme anymore; it’s out there, on the road, with some serious tech under the hood.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The Cybertruck’s FSD isn’t exactly “full” self-driving. It still requires human supervision—meaning you can’t just take a nap while your truck drives you to work (sorry, dreamers). In fact, some reports suggest that human intervention is needed every 13 miles. So, while it’s a step forward, it’s not quite the driverless utopia we’ve been promised. Ironically, the very thing that’s supposed to make driving easier still needs us to babysit it.

But let’s not throw shade on Tesla just yet. The Cybertruck’s FSD is a work in progress, and it’s already doing things that most cars can’t even dream of. It’s navigating complex environments, avoiding obstacles, and learning from every mile it drives. That’s the beauty of AI—it gets smarter over time. And while the Cybertruck may not be perfect, it’s a glimpse into what the future could look like.

On the flip side, traditional AI in cars is more about enhancing the driving experience rather than taking over entirely. Think of it as your digital co-pilot, helping you avoid accidents, optimize routes, and even predict when your car needs maintenance. It’s like having a superpower, but you’re still in control. The question is, do you want to be in control, or are you ready to hand over the wheel to the machines?

So, which is better? AI in cars or Tesla’s Cybertruck with Full Self-Driving? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a car that assists you but still lets you call the shots, traditional AI might be your jam. But if you’re ready to embrace the future, glitches and all, the Cybertruck’s FSD is where the real excitement is. Just don’t forget to keep your hands on the wheel—for now.

In the end, both AI and Tesla’s FSD are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. One is a gradual evolution, making our cars smarter and safer over time. The other is a bold leap into the unknown, with all the risks and rewards that come with it. Either way, the road ahead is looking pretty exciting.

EV